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Old October 1, 2003, 12:12 AM
Garry Boyd
 
Posts: n/a
Default Re: More on copyrights and trademarks

I'm not too sure on the intricacies of it all, but I think you can protect a phrase or made up word, ie "electrolux" is a trademark. I also recall that Harrods enforced the use of their name for retail stores, to the extent of going after small stores, even here in far off New Zealand. At the moment The Beatles "Apple" label is suing "Apple Computers" for entering the music market. This is an example where two trade names can coexist in unrelated industries. It only becomes a problem when one enters the others sphere of influence.
If I create a weather instrument and call it "The real thing" I wouldnt expect a problem. However if it was a soft drink, I'd expect lots of problems.
Probably time to consult a trademark attorney.

> The "for dummies" isn't
> trademarked nor is it copyrighted. You can't
> copyright a title.

> What *IS* trademarked is the "For
> Dummies" PLUS their little guy logo. I
> think the company name is
> "Dummies"... but don't quote me on
> that.

> So if you wanted to do something similar
> for... uh... "widgets", you would
> make a company name
> ("WidgetWorld") and then come up
> with a logo design and trademark that. You
> then use "Widgetworld
> Weedwhackers" and "widgetworld
> Wibbles" and so forth as book titles or
> product names or whatever. Trademarks
> protect your branding efforts.

> There are other people named
> "Hilfinger" and "Tommy"
> which is why the Hilfinger people couldn't
> sue for or grab the "tommy.com"
> name awhile back.

> What you're dealing with is legislation
> designed to protect your business and to
> protect the artisan. Engulf And Devour
> corporation can't take your product idea and
> your good name and your efforts building a
> sale and ride to success on your hard work.
> You slap them with a trademark violation and
> throw it into the courts.




Weather instruments by mail order